Hi,
I have a 97 F-150 4x4 and I blew a steel brake line. I have the lines off but no one has the lines that I need. The two that I need are approx. 8ft. long and with a couple of differant ends on them. From master to rear of truck. (two connect together near gas filter on frame) FORD dealer says lines are obsolete. Was trying to get a set made up but can't find anyone to do them. All the ones I find are to short and have the wrong fittings on them. Anyone ever get theres changed on a 97? If I take it to the dealer they coudn't tell me if it would be pieced together or what they would do. Plus I would have to have it towed.

Any sugestions? All would be very appriciated.

Ron

 

you need to save the old fittings and re-use them
make sure you put them on the new line threads OUT and then you need to flair the ends of the new line
been there done that many times
it does seem retarted to have 2 diffrent size fittings i know...but..
that must be some engineers sick joke to us d.i.y'rs
...zap!

 

That was my next move. I have to track down long enough lenth of 3/16 line. have not found any longer then 5 ft. in my area. When I cut to lenth what type of flair tool do I use? I think its a double flair. The flair tool I have for copper I don't think is the rite one. The old fittings seem like they shoud work. One is slightly rounded but a flare wrench should still work ok on it. By the master cylinder the is a part of the line that has about three coiled loops in it. Do you think I have to bend these loops in the replacements?

Thanks,

Ron

 

Look in a JC Whitney, Jeg's, or Summit racing catalog and order you some brake lines if you can't find them nearby. They should have longer lines that you need. The only drawback is the wait for delivery.

 

i just use couplers..(do not use "compression fittings") between the shorter lines..works just as well to make them bigger

the "coiling" action is tough to duplicate without kinking..i just use a tubing bender and put "stairs" in the line for 6 inches or so...its only there for flex between the chassis and everything else...dont worry it will work
and the flaring tool (handy to have) is available at ant good parts/hardware store
...zap!

 

Thanks for the help Zapster.
Is the flairing tool made for brake lines or is it just a regular one used for plumbing copper? I have a regular one but I thought you needed (i think it's called a double ) flair? Thanks again for the info. Will get the parts tomorrow.

Ron

 

well the plumbing flare is the same..and you do not need a "double flair"

my old '89 F250 lost a front brake line coming out of the woods while i was getting firewood one day

same problem as yourself
i used my neighbors flaring tool (plumber) and to this day all is well with the truck...even though i don't own it anymore

...zap!

 

can you just cut out the bad piece and splice in a new section. I would do that and then try and find a replacement.

 

Thanks for all the help guy's. I had to get three 5ft. sections and some connectors to connect together the three pieces. Cut one piece and used the original connector and double flaired at the master cylinder. Still have to put a couple of clamps on frame and bleed system and then hopefully all will work out. Did not have time to finish today.

Thanks again,

Ron

 

anytime

...zap!